What warm ocean current influences northwest Europe's climate?

The Gulf Stream is the warm ocean current commonly credited with influencing northwest Europe's climate. It begins in the Gulf of Mexico, flows through the Straits of Florida, and travels northward along the eastern United States before turning eastward across the Atlantic.

Farther east, its waters continue through related currents, especially the North Atlantic Current and the Norwegian Current. Together, these currents transport heat toward Europe, helping make places such as Ireland, the United Kingdom, and coastal Norway milder than many regions at similar latitudes.

A common mix-up is to treat the Gulf Stream as the sole cause of Europe's relatively mild weather. Atmospheric circulation, especially prevailing westerly winds, also plays a major role. The Gulf Stream is therefore an important contributor, while the current most directly reaching northwest Europe is often described as the North Atlantic Current.